I’ve mostly spent my life as a Stewardess (Pam Am), as a teacher (SFUSD), and as a realtor both in San Francisco and Carmel (Alain Pinel Realtors). BUT, I always had this secret desire to model so when I was in my 20’s I gave it a whirl. I went to a modeling school in San Francisco and some how wound up teaching “Walks and Turns” at the same modeling school on Saturdays – all while teaching 5th grade. It was my secret life! I did do some live fashion shows, but alas, it was obvious this could not be a part-time gig. And I was certainly not emaciated enough to do print and liked a steady job – plus I loved teaching. I decided it was not my calling, but it had been fun! To this day, I love fashion! Some days you can’t tell by the way I dress, but issues of Vogue, Elle, and Bazaar are always stacked up on my coffee table.

by Oscar de la Renta ~ SF exhibit at De Young Museum

Did any of you reading this catch the Oscar de la Renta exhibition at De Young in San Francisco? Now that man knew how to make a dress!

Oscar de la Renta

The qualities I most admire in a woman are confidence and kindness. ~Oscar de la Renta

by Oscar de la Renta, exhibition at De Young Museum, SF

But I digress, if you love fashion, and love supporting good causes, come to our WCR Fashion Show Fundraiser, “Havana Nights”

It’s going to be an amazing time, with Delicious food, fabulous fashion, at an incredibly beautiful place (Inn at Spanish Bay), and lots of fun MOST IMPORTANTLY! Salsa dancers, latin music to get your blood boiling, and the “experience” of steaming nights in Havana in the 50’s! Only $95 a ticket if you act NOW!

Living the #Carmellifestyle . . . by the way, what does that mean anyway? I guess it’s different for everyone depending on “what floats your boat” but I’ll give you a taste of what I think is fun around Carmel, because that’s just what I did yesterday on a gorgeous Saturday morning. (Yes, realtors do take a day off once in a while!) I started off the day having a lovely breakfast with my hubby and then after a kiss good-bye, I took off on my adventure.

Mantra Salon, at Mission and 7th, in the Court of the Fountains

First stop was my appointment with Veronica, owner of Mantra Salon, for a cut and color. She is so amazing and I always feel beautiful when I walk out of there.! Since I’m preparing for a trip I had a long list of “to do’s” and having my hair done was #1.

Court of the Fountains, Mission & 7th

Mantra Salon looks out onto this beautiful courtyard, Court of the Fountains – how Carmel is that! As I left sporting my new do, I noted the mark on my tires, and knew it was time to move my car before the meter maid came around again. I found a lucky spot right on Ocean Avenue right where The Art Festival was in full gear.

23rd Annual Art Festival & Plein Air Competition

Artists come from all over the country to participate in the Annual Art Festival & Plein Air Competition. They scatter themselves all over the Monterey Peninsula Wednesday – Friday painting all of our wonderful scenery.

Painting of the Carmel Mission by Julie Khyler

Then the paintings are hung in the outside gallery on Mission St. between Ocean and 6th for viewing, judging, and bidding on. The winning bidders will take home the paintings to hang in their homes.

Viewers admiring the paintings.Painting of the Pacific Grove ice plant in bloom by Monika Johnson

All of a sudden I spotted a very familiar scene. Stacy Barter had painted our charming Alain Pinel Realtors office in downtown Carmel and her painting had won first prize in the Plein Air Competition!

Painting of the Alain Pinel Realtors office in Carmel by Stacy BarterFirst prize in the Plein Air CompetitionSusan (moi) admiring Stacy’s painting

Well, that was certainly a wonderful discovery, but my stomach was growling so I headed to Carmel Plaza to the Carmel Coffee and Cocoa Bar

to grab a delicious Greek Salad before the fashion show which would begin at 1:00pm.

Greek salad with chicken at Carmel Coffee and Cocoa Bar

Mira Schumacher, the owner of the cafe, greets her customers by name and makes them feel very welcome . . . and has dynamite food! Since the cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating, I settled on a table in the sun to enjoy the lovely weather as well as the 60’s music that was already blaring throughout the plaza to put us in the 60’s mood.

Outdoor tables among the gardens in the plaza.Fashion Show with a 60’s theme in the Plaza

After lunch I hurried to a seat in the area of the plaza where the Fashion Show was to take place. The master of ceremonies was just about to begin.